Explore Australia

Port Arthur

Historic Penitentiary, Explore Australia Publishing

Population 499

This historic settlement on the scenic Tasman Peninsula was one of Australia's most infamous penal settlements from the 1830s to the 1870s. Over 12 000 convicts from Britain, some of whom did nothing more than steal some food to survive, were shipped to Port Arthur, dubbed 'Hell on Earth'. They lived under threat of the lash and experimental punitive measures that often drove them to madness. This grim past is offset by the stark beauty of the sandstone buildings overlooking the tranquil, often misty, waters of the bay. Port Arthur is Tasmania's number one tourist attraction.

Visitor Information

Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Hwy; (03) 6251 2300 or 1800 659 101

www.portarthur.org.au

Nearby national parks

  • Tasman National Park

    Comprising a narrow coastal strip along the east and south of Forestier and Tasman peninsulas and several offshore islands, Tasman National...more

  • South Bruny National Park

    Created in 1997, this beautiful national park takes in the massive dolerite sea cliffs around Bruny’s southern capes, with the highest...more

  • Maria Island National Park

    With a west coast characterised by gentle sloping hills and an east coast of towering cliffs dropping dramatically to the sea, Maria Island...more

Nearby towns

  • Eaglehawk Neck

    Present-day Eaglehawk Neck is a pleasant fishing destination, speckled with small holiday retreats and striking scenery. Situated on the...more

  • Dunalley

    A quaint fishing village, Dunalley is on the isthmus separating the Forestier and Tasman peninsulas from the mainland. Nearby is the...more

  • Sorell

    The south-eastern town of Sorell was founded in 1821, and was important in early colonial times for providing most of the state's grain....more

In Town

Port Arthur Historic Site Over 30 buildings and restored ruins sit on 40 ha of land, illuminating the life of the convicts and their guards. Day entry tickets include a guided historical walking tour, access to the visitor centre, interpretation gallery and museum, and a harbour cruise. Lantern-lit historic tours depart at dusk and tours of the Isle of the Dead, the cemetery for the colony, unravel emotive stories of the convicts. The site’s heritage gardens have been restored and replanted to reflect the style of the original plantings; guided and self-guide walks are available. Cruises and guided tours operate daily to the site of incarceration of juvenile male convicts at nearby Point Puer. Details at visitor centre; Arthur Hwy. Port Arthur Memorial Garden: dedicated to the victims of the 1996 tragedy at the site in which 35 people were killed by a gunman. Convict Trail drive: scenic drive from Port Arthur to the Coal Mines Historic Site.

Nearby

Remarkable Cave Created by wave erosion, Remarkable Cave affords spectacular views along the coastline to Cape Raoul. It is in Tasman National Park and is the starting point of a 4–5 hr return walk to Crescent Bay. 6 km S. Coal Mines Historic Site: Tasmania's first operational mine, with self-guide tours; 30 km NW. Tasman Island Cruises: 2 hr cruise exploring the beautiful coastal scenery of Tasman National Park; bookings on (03) 6250 2200.

Fishing spots near town

Twin Lakes 49 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more


The Springs 51 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more


Salmon Ponds 84 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more


Arthurs Lake 151 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more


Bronte System 153 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more


Lake River 154 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more


Great Lake 160 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon 163 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more


St Helens 205 km

Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Diving in Fortescue Bay 10 km

One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out more


Salamanca Market 51 km

With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out more


Island Cycle Tours 51 km

This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out more


Mount Wellington Walks 57 km

You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out more


Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 63 km

Set in a former Methodist church that had strong ties with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this little museum near Cygnet showcases Indigenous history, artefacts, art and bush tucker. It is generally open on weekends... Find out more


Tahune AirWalk 91 km

Located 29 kilometres from Geeveston, this unashamed public relations exercise for Forestry Tasmania starts on the serpentine drive out to the AirWalk, where signs clearly state when an area was last logged. There are... Find out more


Freycinet Adventures 119 km

One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 146 km

Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out more


Tamar Island 199 km

This important wetland habitat just 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston features a great bird-viewing hide, 3.2 kilometres of easy walking tracks and an interpretation centre.... Find out more


Tarkine Trails 212 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Royal Hobart Golf Club 43 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more


Tasmania Golf Club 46 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links 240 km

Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 241 km

When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

The Commandant’s Table

Surrounded by the Port Arthur Historic Site’s evocative history, there are two restaurants in the hotel complex at Tasmania’s most iconic destination. They may not have had a makeover in a while but they won’t... Find out more


Eucalypt

As it loudly proclaims in words a metre high, this cosmopolitan eatery opposite Port Arthur Historic Site is a celebration of coffee, art and food. And they live up to their promise when it comes to food, with a... Find out more


Felons Bistro

Located in a wing of the historic site’s visitor centre, this large bistro-style restaurant invites you to ‘dine with conviction’ and offers top-of-the-range dishes full of great Tasmanian ingredients.... Find out more



The Fox & Hounds Inn

For those with a passion for ye olde England, this place is perfect. Housed in the mock-Tudor Fox and Hounds Inn, the medieval-themed restaurant is crammed with olde-worlde knick-knacks and more tartan than you’ll... Find out more


Lemo’s Seafood and Roast Restaurant

Seated at a window table, with the tranquil waters and forested shores of Long Bay in front of you, it will be hard to imagine that any dish could top these glorious surroundings. But this stylish, glass-fronted... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 176 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Cascade Brewery 53 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more


Moo Brew 60 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more


Two Metre Tall Company 86 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more


Iron House Brewery 179 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more


Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 199 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more


Campsites around town

Port Arthur Caravan And Cabin Park 2 km

Although this park is big, each spacious campsite is screened with shrubs so it feels sheltered and private. Visit Port Arthur Historic Site (1 km along the road, or take the walking track along Stewart’s Beach),... Find out more


White Beach Tourist Park 10 km

If you’re travelling with the family and a boat, this park is ideal. It’s on a safe swimming beach and there’s every amenity you’ll need, from the laundry and kiosk to the playground and rec room.... Find out more


Fortescue Bay Campground 10 km

A few steps from the sun, sand and surf of lovely Fortescue Bay, this camping area is a popular summer destination and bookings are necessary for peak times. There are 2 groups of sites – 40 in all – tucked... Find out more


Bivouac Bay campsite (walk-in camping) 11 km

This beautiful bay is a 2 hr hike north from Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Coastal Trail, following the coastline along beaches and over steep-sided headlands. The views are worth the effort and the campsite is in a very... Find out more


Lime Bay camping area 24 km

On the secluded north-east tip of Tasman Peninsula, this peaceful campground is near the 1833 Coal Mines Historic Site, where Port Arthur’s most hardened convicts were sent for punishment. Among the still-visible... Find out more


Bruny Island Neck camping area 45 km

The Neck is a narrow sandy isthmus joining north and south Bruny, with a great lookout, a penguin colony and a surf beach. The camping area is among trees behind the dunes at the more sheltered southern end of the beach.... Find out more


Encampment Cove camping area 56 km

This very remote campsite overlooking Chinamans Bay and McRaes Isthmus is a 13 km 4 hr hike south of Darlington. Although there are is no jetty access, it is often used by boating parties. ... Find out more


Frenchs Farm camping area 57 km

Camping areas here are in the cleared paddocks around an old farmhouse at the northern end of remote Chinamans Bay, 11 km south of Darlington, but be prepared for a 3 hr hike to get there. If you’re on a bike, the... Find out more


The Pines camping area 58 km

This sheltered camping area is a popular spot for surfers attracted to Cloudy Bay’s beach and point breaks, but it is very small so campers have to take their chances finding a site. While the surfing is the main... Find out more


Cloudy Corner camping area 59 km

At the far end of Cloudy Bay, this isolated campsite is accessible only to 4WD vehicles and involves driving 3 km along the beach at low tide. Camping is a short walk from the beach and there is water in a creek but it... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Port Arthur Holiday Park 2 km

This is a high-quality park with good facilities, close to the beach. The area is popular for surfing, fishing and bushwalking and is a good base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


White Beach Tourist Park 10 km

This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out more


Barilla Holiday Park 48 km

This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... Find out more


Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park 48 km

A quality seaside park south of Hobart, this place is tourist oriented and has good facilities at a good price. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Treasure Island Caravan Park 61 km

Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out more


New Norfolk Caravan Park 76 km

Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Ross Caravan Park 127 km

Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Wayatinah Lakeside Caravan Park 138 km

This is a neat lakeside park with basic facilities at a budget price and suitable for a night or two. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park 146 km

This is a good quality tourist park with a larger number of sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over public holidays.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Port Arthur Villas

These villas are as close as you can get to the Port Arthur Historic Site without spending a night in a convict cell. Guests can grab an entry pass to the site and harbour cruise or, if the kids are game enough, go on a... Find out more


Sea Change Safety Cove

There’s more fantastic scenery here than the average camera’s memory card can handle and this B&B on a slight rise at the end of Safety Cove has a front-row position. The ensuite queen bedrooms upstairs... Find out more


Stewarts Bay Lodge

In a sheltered cove next to the Port Arthur Historic Site, these timber cottages are in a lovely spot where you can easily walk around the foreshore to the ruins or, if your sights are set further afield, the Tasman... Find out more


Brick Point Cottage

On quiet Carnarvon Bay, south of the Port Arthur Historic Site, this hidden gem is one of those places you usually only hear about from friends. Brick Cottage – despite its name – is a two-bedroom fibro shack... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 52 km

Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out more


Curringa Farm 108 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more


Rainbow Retreat 178 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more


Waldheim Cabins 229 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more


Cradle Mountain Lodge 234 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more


Mountain Valley, Loongana 247 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Fortescue Bay Camp Area 10 km

T/O 15 km S of Eaglehawk Neck (L) or 4 km N of Port Arthur (R) Large campground located 12 kilometres east of the highway in a natural bush setting near the foreshore in Tasman National Park. Good facilities and shade.... Find out more


Murdunna Park Area 22 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out more


Dunalley Park Area 29 km

South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out more


Raspins Beach Park Area 67 km

1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out more


New Norfolk Park Area 75 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 46.653 E147 04.256... Find out more


Kempton Camp Area 86 km

South end of town   Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S42 31.940 E147 12.112... Find out more


Gretna Park Area 91 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway next to the sports oval and fire station. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 40.711 E146 56.161 ... Find out more


Little Swanport Rest Area 91 km

21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out more


Oatlands Rest Area 101 km

North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out more


Mayfield Bay Camp Area 102 km

34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out more


Hamilton Rest Area 105 km

Middle of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the Clyde River. Good facilities including laundry (key from council offices with deposit). Limited shade. GPS: S42 33.571 E146 49.859... Find out more


St Peters Pass Rest Area 107 km

8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317  ... Find out more


Pub with no Beer Rest Area 107 km

3 km SE of Bothwell (R) or 18 km NW of Midland Hwy (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 23.293 E147 02.645 ... Find out more


Spikey Beach Park Area 108 km

42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000  ... Find out more


Cressy Beach Park Area 110 km

44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out more


Bethune Camp Area 114 km

T/O 7 km SE of Ouse (R) or 7 km NW of Hamilton (L) Large grassed area 2.3 kilometres south-west of the highway via Dawson Road. NOTE: Self-contained vehicles only. GPS: S42 32.135 E146 43.837... Find out more


Swansea Park Area 114 km

South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out more


Ouse Rest Area 118 km

East side of town Large grassed area adjacent to the highway at Grace Nicholson Apex Park. Limited shade and facilities. GPS: S42 29.125 E146 42.859... Find out more


Coles Bay Camp Area 120 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 29 kilometres south of highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available. GPS: S42 07.435 E148 17.810 ... Find out more


Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 122 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 22 kilometres south of highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.213 E148 13.986... Find out more


Ross Park Area 127 km

South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out more


Blackburn Creek Rest Area 133 km

29 km SE of Miena (R) or 27 km NW of Bothwell (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 10.356 E146 54.285... Find out more


Friendly Beach Camp Area 133 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Small camp area located 14 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.533 E148 17.096  ... Find out more


Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 137 km

T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out more


Campbell Town Rest Area 138 km

South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out more


Bicheno Park Area 146 km

North side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. GPS: S41 52.265 E148 17.742... Find out more


Nive River Rest Area 147 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more


Conara Rest Area 150 km

11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out more


Bradys Lake Camp Area 150 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more


Denison Beach Rest Area 151 km

6 km N of Bicheno (R) or 51 km S of Scamander (L) Very small secluded area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub near the foreshore. GPS: S41 49.639 E148 15.901... Find out more


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